Mary Pearson is understandably concerned by reports that many trees are to be felled on St Giles Hill under a new city council plan for the hilltop park (Chronicle, Letters, March 27).

For the record, the plan envisage only 40 trees being felled - all of them dead or diseased as a result of Ash Dieback. Forty new trees will be planted elsewhere in the park.

READ MORE HERE: Concerns about removal of trees on St Giles Hill

Less invasive tree work is also planned for up to 500 other trees at the site - mainly removal of dead branches, stripping ivy and other minor remedial works. The result will be a healthier and more diverse tree stock, with some subtle opening up of the iconic views from the park and no impact on the landscape backdrop the hill provides to the city below.

The five-year plan for St Giles Hill developed by the city council, which also includes other improvements, offers a chance to stop and reverse the decline of this wonderful park, which has sadly been neglected for far too long.

 

Charles Radcliffe,

City councillor,

Parchment Street,

Winchester